Laser Guidestar Satellite for Ground-based Adaptive Optics Imaging of Geosynchronous Satellites

摘要

In this study, we assess the utility of using a maneuverable nanosatellite laser guidestar from a geostationary equatorial orbit to enable ground-based, adaptive optics imaging of geosynchronous satellites with next-generation extremely large telescopes. The concept for a satellite guide star was first discussed in the literature by Greenaway in the early 1990s, and expanded upon by Albert in 2012. With a satellite-based laser as an adaptive optics guidestar, the source laser does not need to scatter, and is well above atmospheric turbulence. When viewed from the ground through a turbulent atmosphere, the angular size of the satellite guidestar is much smaller than a back-scattered source. Advances in small satellite technology and capability allow us to revisit the concept on a 6U CubeSat, measuring 10 cm by 20 cm by 30 cm. We show that a system that uses a satellite-based laser transmitter can be relatively low power (~1 W transmit power), operated intermittently, and requires little propellant to relocate within the geosynchronous belt. We present results of a design study on the feasibility of a small satellite guidestar and highlight the potential benefits to the space situational awareness community.